CD Comparison: Older Pressings vs. New Japanese LP Sleeves
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2006 11:39 amI ordered a few of the Japanese LP sleeve reissues. I was unsure how good or bad they would be, so I picked ones that were not done elsewhere and one of the popular ones. I bought Journey, Look Into The Future, Next, Dream After Dream, and Frontiers.
The packaging on them is incredible. Frontiers even has a mini-replica of the 1983 calendar! If you're a Journey fan, these are the definitive releases package-wise on CD. They are completely different in EVERY way from the new digicrap versions in the USA and have none of that stuff. Only the LP insert copies and a Japanese insert with lyrics. The mastering is clearly unique to these releases as well.
Below is a comparison of four tracks ("Of A Lifetime", "I'm Gonna Leave You", "Nickel and Dime", and "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)") across the four CDs I got as compared to other releases I have with those tracks.
Of course you should take all of this with a grain of salt. This is a comparison using my equipment and speakers.
"Of A Lifetime" - From Journey
Time3 Disc 1 (C3K48937/CK48938; USA 1992 original - single jewel case)
Volume Level: -27
Tone/EQ: Decent, but bass a bit mushy. Hiss in the beginning - can tell very little processing.
Soundstage: Good.
Time3 Disc 1 (CXK65159/CK48938/DIDP078492; USA 1996 reissue - 3CD molded case)
Volume Level: -27 volume seems to be the same as the previous issue; not much difference if there is one
Tone/EQ: Same hiss in the beginning. A tad more top end to the EQ, not as mellow. Bass also not as mushy.
Soundstage: Good.
In The Beginning (471302 2; Europe/UK 1990)
Volume Level: -27 quieter than the previous two releases
Tone/EQ: Hiss! Very apparent. Drums sound kinda tinny. Bass drum is bad. Does not sound like a higher gen source tape. Overall EQ balance is good, though. The part coming out of the solo around 3:30 is definitely less busy due to original EQ choices.
Soundstage: Sounds OK.
Journey (SRCS 9075; Japan 1996 reissue)
Volume Level: -27 louder than the previous release, about the same maybe a touch louder than Time3
Tone/EQ: More hiss than Time3, good EQ. Favorite compared to the previous 3. Bass is very good, but should be rolled off a tad. Not toppy at all; if anything, too bassy. Part at 3:30 not a mess coming out of the solo section at all.
Soundstage: Best out of the 4 to date.
Journey (MHCP 1164; Japan 2006 LP sleeve reissue)
Volume Level: -27
Tone/EQ: Hiss about the same as Time3, a tad more. Great tonal balance in the beginning. Improved EQ, not toppy. Tad brighter than the SRCS pressing (we're talking minimal). Bass not bloated. Drums sound great. 3:30 not a mess.
Soundstage: Good - as good as the SRCS if you ask me.
Verdict: MHCP 1164, but if you can't have that, SRCS 9075.
"I'm Gonna Leave You" - From Look Into The Future
Time3 Disc 1 (C3K48937/CK48938; USA 1992 original - single jewel case)
Volume Level: -27
Tone/EQ: As with "Of A Lifetime", slightly mushy presentation overall. Digital sounding EQ, but good sounding EQ choices overall. Ride cymbal a bit toppy in parts.
Soundstage: Organ solo panning 3:22 - 3:27 sounds OK. Haven't done any comparisons yet.
Time3 Disc 1 (CXK65159/CK48938/DIDP078492; USA 1996 reissue - 3CD molded case)
Volume Level: -27 volume seems to be the same as the previous issue; not much difference if there is one
Tone/EQ: Tad brighter in terms of EQ than the other version, less mush. Not sure I prefer the brighter - very apparent on cymbals. EQ not as digital sounding. Not as easy to listen to.
Soundstage: Organ solo panning 3:22 - 3:27 sounds the same.
In The Beginning (471302 2; Europe/UK 1990)
Volume Level: -27 quieter
Tone/EQ: Flatter in terms of EQ, sounds digital but decent. Tinny overall in comparison to the others. No oomph in bass. Not toppy at all. If anything, it's more midrange-y than anything else. Again, not 1st gen tapes used.
Soundstage: Organ solo panning 3:23 - 3:28 a bit wider, not as pleasant to me.
Look Into The Future (SRCS 9076; Japan 1996 reissue)
Volume Level: -27 sounds about as loud as Time3, not much more or less
Tone/EQ: The toppiest of the bunch, but better mid and bass, so overall best balance so far. Does not sound digital.
Soundstage: Organ solo panning 3:22 - 3:27 best so far.
Look Into The Future (MHCP 1165; Japan 2006 LP sleeve reissue)
Volume Level: -27 Loudest, but not in a bad way. Best gen tapes (or sounds like it)
Tone/EQ: Good EQ balance overall, least digital sounding. Can still hear hiss, so it wasn't really processed.
Soundstage: Organ solo panning 3:22 - 3:27 as good as SRCS pressing, if not a tad better.
Verdict: Despite it being the loudest, MHCP 1165. Dialed it back to -33 and all was good.
"Nickel and Dime" - From Next
Time3 Disc 1 (C3K48937/CK48938; USA 1992 original - single jewel case)
Volume Level: -27
Tone/EQ: Not much bass, digital sounding, but overall OK. Nothing spectacular. Could be a problem with the tapes used.
Soundstage: Nothing offending either way.
Time3 Disc 1 (CXK65159/CK48938/DIDP078492; USA 1996 reissue - 3CD molded case)
Volume Level: -27 seems a touch louder
Tone/EQ: Better bass than the original issue, but still lacking. Must be the master. EQ not as digital.
Soundstage: Same - not good or bad. It works.
In The Beginning (471302 2; Europe/UK 1990)
Volume Level: -27 quieter than either Time3
Tone/EQ: Again, not 1st gen tape. Digital sounding, but overall decent EQ balance. Sounds a bit like it's being played on radio; very digital. NO bass, so it's definitely a master problem.
Soundstage: Sounds OK.
Next (SRCS 9077; Japan 1996 reissue Japan)
Volume Level: -27 sounds good; best yet IMHO
Tone/EQ: Good top and low end, so it seems like the Japanese have a better source tape. Bass is a touch lacking, but it sounds like this came from a closer source to the master. Best EQ yet.
Soundstage: Again, sounds fine.
Next (MHCP 1166; Japan 2006 LP sleeve reissue)
Volume Level: -27 Loudest, but not in a bad way.
Tone/EQ: Best EQ, period. The bass sounds like bass. There IS low end on this! A revelation.
Soundstage: Sounds fine.
Verdict: MHCP 1166
"Little Girl" from the Dream After Dream Soundtrack
For some odd reason, can't find the original CD which was a SRCS or a CSCS pressing from about 1991 so I left it out. All other versions I know of are compared.
Time3 Disc 1 (C3K48937/CK48938; USA single jewel case 1992 original)
Volume Level: -27
Tone/EQ: Nice tonal balance between top and bottom. Acoustic guitar in the beginning has body and resonance. Drums kicking in at 1:23 fine. Sounds a tad digital, but definitely good.
Soundstage: Guitar panning between L and R 3:24 - 3:30 as well as 3:51 - 3:54 can't really hear too much, so it sounds like it's too wide (i.e. so wide the panning effect is pretty much nullified).
Time3 Disc 1 (CXK65159/CK48938/DIDP078492; USA 1996 reissue - 3CD molded case)
Volume level: -27 does not seem louder than the other issue
Tone/EQ: A touch brighter than the 1992 original. Easiest to tell on the vocals, strings, and guitar in the beginning. Bass is a tad clearer. Does not sound as "digital" but, brighter is not better.
Soundstage: 3:24 - 3:30 and 3:51 - 3:54 still pretty narrow, so it sounds like the same tapes were used, just re-EQed.
Dream After Dream (MHCP 280; Japan 2004 reissue)
Volume level: -27 definitely quiter than the Time3 versions
Tone/EQ: closer to the 1996 pressing of Time3, a touch toppy. Good clarity, tho. Bass is mediocre here - fits in tonally, but is definitely not very full.
Soundstage: 3:25 - 3:31 and 3:52 - 3:55 much better. Panning is what it should be; you can tell it's supposed to go speaker to speaker.
Departure (82876 85892 2; USA 2006 reissue remastered by Dave Donnelly)
Volume level: -27 loudest version yet, and not the way the song should sound. Kills any listening pleasure.
Tone/EQ: Most top end of the bunch in terms of EQ; easy to tell on the strings and the guitar picking. Very clear, though, so it's definitely re-sourced in some way. It becomes a sonic mess coming out of the guitar solo - the loudness and EQ choices make it hard to listen to.
Soundstage: Good panning 3:24 - 3:30 and 3:51 - 3:54 - best so far.
Dream After Dream (MHCP 1175; Japan 2006 LP sleeve reissue)
Volume level: -27 definitely louder than the MHCP-280 reissue, but not in a bad way. Not sure if it's louder than any of the other versions, but it's not uncomfortable.
Tone/EQ: Tonal balance is closer to the single disc Time3, but a tad brighter than that version. However, overall EQ is better than them all. All instruments seem to have their place. Bass is the best of the bunch.
Soundstage: Good panning 3:25 - 3:31 and 3:52 - 3:55 - better than the MHCP-280 and the Time3, but not better than the new version of Departure.
Verdict: MHCP 1175 pressing. Not the best soundstage (I'd rank it #2), but the best sound.
"Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" from the Frontiers
I no longer have the original USA pressing, but I have the original Japanese which predates it
Frontiers (35DP 45; Japan 1983 original)
Volume level: -27
Tone/EQ: Flat EQ - not top or bottom heavy. SOunds like they used an undoctored LP master or whatever was done for early CDs. Sounds decent considering its age. WIsh they would have used some more bass and fattened up the keys.
Soundstage: Decent; considered the benchmark since this is the original pressing
Time3 Disc 3 (C3K48937/CK48940; USA single jewel case 1992 original)
Volume level: -27 definitely louder than the 35DP
Tone/EQ: Wow! Bass and fat analog synths. More digital sounding in terms of EQ, so not as pleasing to the ears that way. Has the same overall mushiness as the other songs from this version.
Soundstage: Sounds OK. No huge noticeable differences.
Time3 Disc 3 (CXK65159/CK48940/DIDP078501; USA 1996 reissue - 3CD molded case)
Volume level: -27 about the same as the other Time3, maybe a touch louder
Tone/EQ: Much better. Bass and top end in check, not mushy. Best version yet. Also not as digital.
Soundstage: Sounds fine.
Frontiers (CK 67723; USA 1996 remaster)
Volume level: -27 loudest yet; had to dial back to -30 to get same relative volume
Tone/EQ: Believe it or not, slightly different from the Time3 reissue. More bass added - the low tom hits really resonate in the beginning. Could be rolled off a bit. Sounds good, though. I may prefer the 1996 Time3 a tad better.
Soundstage: Sounds fine.
Frontiers (MHCP 1172; Japan 2006 LP sleeve reissue - this is the Donnelly remaster and does come with the booklet that the USA one does - no bonus cuts)
Volume level: -27 loudest of the bunch; dialed back to -32
Tone/EQ: Best EQ yet, bar none. Low end not too much like the 1996 remaster. Nice top end. Analog synth (the Roland Jupiter here) is full. Very analog sounding.
Soundstage: Good
Verdict: MHCP 1172
The packaging on them is incredible. Frontiers even has a mini-replica of the 1983 calendar! If you're a Journey fan, these are the definitive releases package-wise on CD. They are completely different in EVERY way from the new digicrap versions in the USA and have none of that stuff. Only the LP insert copies and a Japanese insert with lyrics. The mastering is clearly unique to these releases as well.
Below is a comparison of four tracks ("Of A Lifetime", "I'm Gonna Leave You", "Nickel and Dime", and "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)") across the four CDs I got as compared to other releases I have with those tracks.
Of course you should take all of this with a grain of salt. This is a comparison using my equipment and speakers.
"Of A Lifetime" - From Journey
Time3 Disc 1 (C3K48937/CK48938; USA 1992 original - single jewel case)
Volume Level: -27
Tone/EQ: Decent, but bass a bit mushy. Hiss in the beginning - can tell very little processing.
Soundstage: Good.
Time3 Disc 1 (CXK65159/CK48938/DIDP078492; USA 1996 reissue - 3CD molded case)
Volume Level: -27 volume seems to be the same as the previous issue; not much difference if there is one
Tone/EQ: Same hiss in the beginning. A tad more top end to the EQ, not as mellow. Bass also not as mushy.
Soundstage: Good.
In The Beginning (471302 2; Europe/UK 1990)
Volume Level: -27 quieter than the previous two releases
Tone/EQ: Hiss! Very apparent. Drums sound kinda tinny. Bass drum is bad. Does not sound like a higher gen source tape. Overall EQ balance is good, though. The part coming out of the solo around 3:30 is definitely less busy due to original EQ choices.
Soundstage: Sounds OK.
Journey (SRCS 9075; Japan 1996 reissue)
Volume Level: -27 louder than the previous release, about the same maybe a touch louder than Time3
Tone/EQ: More hiss than Time3, good EQ. Favorite compared to the previous 3. Bass is very good, but should be rolled off a tad. Not toppy at all; if anything, too bassy. Part at 3:30 not a mess coming out of the solo section at all.
Soundstage: Best out of the 4 to date.
Journey (MHCP 1164; Japan 2006 LP sleeve reissue)
Volume Level: -27
Tone/EQ: Hiss about the same as Time3, a tad more. Great tonal balance in the beginning. Improved EQ, not toppy. Tad brighter than the SRCS pressing (we're talking minimal). Bass not bloated. Drums sound great. 3:30 not a mess.
Soundstage: Good - as good as the SRCS if you ask me.
Verdict: MHCP 1164, but if you can't have that, SRCS 9075.
"I'm Gonna Leave You" - From Look Into The Future
Time3 Disc 1 (C3K48937/CK48938; USA 1992 original - single jewel case)
Volume Level: -27
Tone/EQ: As with "Of A Lifetime", slightly mushy presentation overall. Digital sounding EQ, but good sounding EQ choices overall. Ride cymbal a bit toppy in parts.
Soundstage: Organ solo panning 3:22 - 3:27 sounds OK. Haven't done any comparisons yet.
Time3 Disc 1 (CXK65159/CK48938/DIDP078492; USA 1996 reissue - 3CD molded case)
Volume Level: -27 volume seems to be the same as the previous issue; not much difference if there is one
Tone/EQ: Tad brighter in terms of EQ than the other version, less mush. Not sure I prefer the brighter - very apparent on cymbals. EQ not as digital sounding. Not as easy to listen to.
Soundstage: Organ solo panning 3:22 - 3:27 sounds the same.
In The Beginning (471302 2; Europe/UK 1990)
Volume Level: -27 quieter
Tone/EQ: Flatter in terms of EQ, sounds digital but decent. Tinny overall in comparison to the others. No oomph in bass. Not toppy at all. If anything, it's more midrange-y than anything else. Again, not 1st gen tapes used.
Soundstage: Organ solo panning 3:23 - 3:28 a bit wider, not as pleasant to me.
Look Into The Future (SRCS 9076; Japan 1996 reissue)
Volume Level: -27 sounds about as loud as Time3, not much more or less
Tone/EQ: The toppiest of the bunch, but better mid and bass, so overall best balance so far. Does not sound digital.
Soundstage: Organ solo panning 3:22 - 3:27 best so far.
Look Into The Future (MHCP 1165; Japan 2006 LP sleeve reissue)
Volume Level: -27 Loudest, but not in a bad way. Best gen tapes (or sounds like it)
Tone/EQ: Good EQ balance overall, least digital sounding. Can still hear hiss, so it wasn't really processed.
Soundstage: Organ solo panning 3:22 - 3:27 as good as SRCS pressing, if not a tad better.
Verdict: Despite it being the loudest, MHCP 1165. Dialed it back to -33 and all was good.
"Nickel and Dime" - From Next
Time3 Disc 1 (C3K48937/CK48938; USA 1992 original - single jewel case)
Volume Level: -27
Tone/EQ: Not much bass, digital sounding, but overall OK. Nothing spectacular. Could be a problem with the tapes used.
Soundstage: Nothing offending either way.
Time3 Disc 1 (CXK65159/CK48938/DIDP078492; USA 1996 reissue - 3CD molded case)
Volume Level: -27 seems a touch louder
Tone/EQ: Better bass than the original issue, but still lacking. Must be the master. EQ not as digital.
Soundstage: Same - not good or bad. It works.
In The Beginning (471302 2; Europe/UK 1990)
Volume Level: -27 quieter than either Time3
Tone/EQ: Again, not 1st gen tape. Digital sounding, but overall decent EQ balance. Sounds a bit like it's being played on radio; very digital. NO bass, so it's definitely a master problem.
Soundstage: Sounds OK.
Next (SRCS 9077; Japan 1996 reissue Japan)
Volume Level: -27 sounds good; best yet IMHO
Tone/EQ: Good top and low end, so it seems like the Japanese have a better source tape. Bass is a touch lacking, but it sounds like this came from a closer source to the master. Best EQ yet.
Soundstage: Again, sounds fine.
Next (MHCP 1166; Japan 2006 LP sleeve reissue)
Volume Level: -27 Loudest, but not in a bad way.
Tone/EQ: Best EQ, period. The bass sounds like bass. There IS low end on this! A revelation.
Soundstage: Sounds fine.
Verdict: MHCP 1166
"Little Girl" from the Dream After Dream Soundtrack
For some odd reason, can't find the original CD which was a SRCS or a CSCS pressing from about 1991 so I left it out. All other versions I know of are compared.
Time3 Disc 1 (C3K48937/CK48938; USA single jewel case 1992 original)
Volume Level: -27
Tone/EQ: Nice tonal balance between top and bottom. Acoustic guitar in the beginning has body and resonance. Drums kicking in at 1:23 fine. Sounds a tad digital, but definitely good.
Soundstage: Guitar panning between L and R 3:24 - 3:30 as well as 3:51 - 3:54 can't really hear too much, so it sounds like it's too wide (i.e. so wide the panning effect is pretty much nullified).
Time3 Disc 1 (CXK65159/CK48938/DIDP078492; USA 1996 reissue - 3CD molded case)
Volume level: -27 does not seem louder than the other issue
Tone/EQ: A touch brighter than the 1992 original. Easiest to tell on the vocals, strings, and guitar in the beginning. Bass is a tad clearer. Does not sound as "digital" but, brighter is not better.
Soundstage: 3:24 - 3:30 and 3:51 - 3:54 still pretty narrow, so it sounds like the same tapes were used, just re-EQed.
Dream After Dream (MHCP 280; Japan 2004 reissue)
Volume level: -27 definitely quiter than the Time3 versions
Tone/EQ: closer to the 1996 pressing of Time3, a touch toppy. Good clarity, tho. Bass is mediocre here - fits in tonally, but is definitely not very full.
Soundstage: 3:25 - 3:31 and 3:52 - 3:55 much better. Panning is what it should be; you can tell it's supposed to go speaker to speaker.
Departure (82876 85892 2; USA 2006 reissue remastered by Dave Donnelly)
Volume level: -27 loudest version yet, and not the way the song should sound. Kills any listening pleasure.
Tone/EQ: Most top end of the bunch in terms of EQ; easy to tell on the strings and the guitar picking. Very clear, though, so it's definitely re-sourced in some way. It becomes a sonic mess coming out of the guitar solo - the loudness and EQ choices make it hard to listen to.
Soundstage: Good panning 3:24 - 3:30 and 3:51 - 3:54 - best so far.
Dream After Dream (MHCP 1175; Japan 2006 LP sleeve reissue)
Volume level: -27 definitely louder than the MHCP-280 reissue, but not in a bad way. Not sure if it's louder than any of the other versions, but it's not uncomfortable.
Tone/EQ: Tonal balance is closer to the single disc Time3, but a tad brighter than that version. However, overall EQ is better than them all. All instruments seem to have their place. Bass is the best of the bunch.
Soundstage: Good panning 3:25 - 3:31 and 3:52 - 3:55 - better than the MHCP-280 and the Time3, but not better than the new version of Departure.
Verdict: MHCP 1175 pressing. Not the best soundstage (I'd rank it #2), but the best sound.
"Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" from the Frontiers
I no longer have the original USA pressing, but I have the original Japanese which predates it
Frontiers (35DP 45; Japan 1983 original)
Volume level: -27
Tone/EQ: Flat EQ - not top or bottom heavy. SOunds like they used an undoctored LP master or whatever was done for early CDs. Sounds decent considering its age. WIsh they would have used some more bass and fattened up the keys.
Soundstage: Decent; considered the benchmark since this is the original pressing
Time3 Disc 3 (C3K48937/CK48940; USA single jewel case 1992 original)
Volume level: -27 definitely louder than the 35DP
Tone/EQ: Wow! Bass and fat analog synths. More digital sounding in terms of EQ, so not as pleasing to the ears that way. Has the same overall mushiness as the other songs from this version.
Soundstage: Sounds OK. No huge noticeable differences.
Time3 Disc 3 (CXK65159/CK48940/DIDP078501; USA 1996 reissue - 3CD molded case)
Volume level: -27 about the same as the other Time3, maybe a touch louder
Tone/EQ: Much better. Bass and top end in check, not mushy. Best version yet. Also not as digital.
Soundstage: Sounds fine.
Frontiers (CK 67723; USA 1996 remaster)
Volume level: -27 loudest yet; had to dial back to -30 to get same relative volume
Tone/EQ: Believe it or not, slightly different from the Time3 reissue. More bass added - the low tom hits really resonate in the beginning. Could be rolled off a bit. Sounds good, though. I may prefer the 1996 Time3 a tad better.
Soundstage: Sounds fine.
Frontiers (MHCP 1172; Japan 2006 LP sleeve reissue - this is the Donnelly remaster and does come with the booklet that the USA one does - no bonus cuts)
Volume level: -27 loudest of the bunch; dialed back to -32
Tone/EQ: Best EQ yet, bar none. Low end not too much like the 1996 remaster. Nice top end. Analog synth (the Roland Jupiter here) is full. Very analog sounding.
Soundstage: Good
Verdict: MHCP 1172